April 1, 2011

Airy Oat Waffles (gluten-free, soaked oats)

We managed to survive last week's rehash of winter (Mother Nature, did we really need another 8 inches of snow?) only to have the whole family struck with a new case of the gloppy nose and cough syndrome. I clearly tempted the fates by thinking that we were done with that garbage. So I have two kids who haven't really been interested in food other than the extra-garlic fortified chicken broth I've been foisting on them.

But, I had already soaked some oats and had to do something with them. Thinking they wouldn't be eaten, I chose to make waffles which would be easier to freeze and reheat in the toaster. I adapted a pancake recipe but my freezer saw no action because they were devoured as fast as I could make them. The lone waffle pictured above was all that was left.

This may have been because they were really that good--light and airy and perfectly crispy on the outside, or it might be due to the fact that I served them with my latest batch of homemade maple syrup. After losing a huge batch of syrup because I was busy doing schoolwork with Alex (there was smoke, a scorched pan and some tears) I have been much more attentive to my syrup and have made 2 quarts without crystals. I think that calls for some more celebratory waffles!

Update: I changed the amount of water because I added a little more and liked the result better because they still cooked up great but the batter was easier to blend. Orginal amount of water was 1 cup.

-Add the water and vinegar to your oats and soak at least overnight on the counter.
-Separate your egg whites into a clean mixing bowl. Set aside for now.
-Place the egg yolks, the oats with their soaking liquid and all the other ingredients (except the egg whites) into a blender jar. Blend until smooth.
-Whip your egg whites to firm peaks, not super stiff or they won't mix as easily. Fold one third of the whipped whites into your oat mixture and then gently fold the remaining whites.
-Cook according to your waffle iron's instructions (*see my iron at the end of this post.) Coat the iron with oil before each addition of batter, coconut oil spray works well or brush on melted coconut oil with a pastry brush.
-Serve with a small pat of coconut oil and maple syrup or fruit and whipped coconut cream.

*Notes on waffle irons: I really like the control of a stovetop waffle iron. They take up way less storage space and can get hotter than most electric models but they do have a learning curve. The NordicWare model is the one I own but I really want to get the Rome's Cast Iron one to try.